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Consumers should look out for unexpected international transaction fees when buying online from major brands, the ACCC has warned. Even websites with a .com.au domain name or that appear to be Australian based may process transactions overseas, meaning consumers can get charged an international transaction fee even for a purchase made in Australian dollars. The…

Read More Consumers urged to look out for unexpected international transaction fees

A padlock in front of a screen full of computer code A padlock in front of a screen full of computer code

Working from home has specific cyber security risks, including targeted cybercrime. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has tips when working from home. Consumer groups are pushing for stronger cybersecurity responses from governments, internet providers and manufacturers, with clear and actionable guidance for consumers. Standards Australia has joined with AustCyber, industry leaders and the NSW…

Read More Working from home and cybercrime – how safe is my information?

An aeroplane wing An aeroplane wing

The Morrison Government has directed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to monitor domestic air passenger services for a period of three years. The Government has consistently said Australia’s national interest is best served through having a sustainable, competitive aviation sector. ACCC monitoring will assist in protecting competition in the domestic passenger airline market,…

Read More ACCC directed to monitor domestic air passenger services

Two children riding bicyles on a path in the woods Two children riding bicyles on a path in the woods

Protection given by a helmet for recreational activities goes a long way in preventing serious head injuries. The recently published third edition of the Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2063:2020 Helmets for use on bicycles and wheeled recreational devices addresses these concerns. The objective of the updated Australian/New Zealand standard is to provide lightweight helmets that…

Read More Why you should use a helmet when skateboarding or cycling

A computer screen showing a line graphy depicting the share market prices A computer screen showing a line graphy depicting the share market prices

People who use foreign currency conversion (FX) services now have greater access to accurate online calculators to help compare prices, but the ACCC says greater transparency is still needed at a time when many Australians are sending money to family and friends overseas. The ACCC’s Foreign currency exchange services inquiry report, released in September last…

Read More Easier comparisons now available for foreign currency conversions

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The Public Interest Advocacy Centre, the Australia Institute, and Total Environment Centre today welcomed a ‘demand response’ reform of Australia’s electricity market that will improve reliability and reduce prices for consumers. The groups also welcome the AEMC’s decision to maintain the early, 2021 implementation date for the rule which they had advocated for. The three…

Read More Major consumer-led energy reform finalised

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Consumer advocate CHOICE has written to the Victorian Consumer Affairs Minister Marlene Kairouz with proposed legislation to stop price gouging on essentials during a crisis. “The past few months have shown us that in a crisis, consumer protections for Australians are the first thing to go.” says Amy Pereira, CHOICE Campaigner. “We need strong protections…

Read More CHOICE calls for urgent price gouging legislation to protect Victorians in future crises

A person looking at a flights board at an airport A person looking at a flights board at an airport

UNCTAD is calling on governments to intensify efforts to protect consumers. Written by Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Director of International Trade and Commodities, UNCTAD. Global lockdowns to contain the spread of COVID-19 currently affect half of the world’s population and 4.5 million flights are expected to be cancelled until 30 June. The UN World Tourism Organization estimates that international…

Read More Airlines must respect consumers’ rights: UNCTAD